Broncos Update Insider - Tuesday, Dec. 14

Scout.com

12/14/2004

Broncos running back Tatum Bell might be able to build off his strong performance last Sunday against Miami, because he hasn't been ruled out of Denver's game this week at Kansas City despite a separated shoulder. <br><br>After Reuben Droughns (in photo) fumbled twice on Denver's opening drive Sunday, losing one, he was benched in favor of Bell, a rookie second-round pick.

Bell rushed for 123 yards on 17 carries and a pair of touchdowns, but
was knocked out of the game early in the third quarter when he separated
his left shoulder.

Bell had a third-degree separation, but he said he wants to play this
week and probably will be able to if he can manage the pain.

"Tatum would like to play and feels encouraged about it," Broncos coach
Mike Shanahan said.

Shanahan said Droughns is still the No. 1 tailback, but Bell will
continue to get carries if he can play.

Bell might have gotten his chance to carry the load earlier this season,
but injuries have set him back. After a short holdout in training camp
Bell broke his finger in his first training camp practice. He also
missed practice time during the regular season with rib and hamstring
injuries.

"It's frustrating," Bell said. "I know I'm not injury prone, that's just
the way the ball bounces for me this year. I have to keep my head up,
and if I'm able to come back I will."

NOTES, QUOTES
--Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said he didn't want to make a big deal out
of the obscene gesture Jake Plummer made to a heckling fan during
Sunday's game at Miami. Plummer made the gesture after throwing an
interception.

"I think he said it best: Let's not try to over-analyze it," Broncos
coach Mike Shanahan said. "He says, 'Hey, a guy got to me. I did
something wrong and I apologize for it.' What more can the guy say?"

--DE Trevor Pryce could make his return to the lineup against Kansas
City. Pryce has only played in one game this season because of a disc
problem in his back that required surgery, but said he is feeling better
and improved each day he practiced last week. Pryce said he won't know
for sure if he can play until he practices on Wednesday, but thought it
was a 50-50 chance.

"If I can keep my balance and run, I'll play," Pryce said.

--Broncos owner Pat Bowlen angrily questioned the accuracy of a
television report last week that Mike Shanahan was offered the head
coaching job at Notre Dame, then said he expected Shanahan to return to
coach the Broncos in 2005.

"When have I ever said any different?" Bowlen said. "He's got four years
to go on his (expletive) contract, and I'm not firing him."

--CB Willie Middlebrooks will miss the rest of the season with a torn
ligament between his tibia and fibula in his right leg. Middlebrooks, a
former first-round pick, was having his best season before the injury.

--CB Jeff Shoate will probably be active on game days now that Willie
Middlebrooks is done for the season. Rookie Roc Alexander will probably
be the nickel cornerback and Shoate, a rookie fifth-round pick, will
play in the dime defense.

--RB Garrison Hearst will have a role in the offense against Kansas City
if Tatum Bell can't play because of an injured shoulder. Broncos coach
Mike Shanahan said Hearst could get 5-10 carries if he is the No. 2 back
on Sunday.

--RB Reuben Droughns is still Denver's starting tailback, according to
Shanahan, but Droughns said he wants to continue as the Broncos' kickoff
returner as well. Droughns started the season on kickoff return, then
was relieved of that role when he became Denver's starting tailback. The
Broncos struggled to find a kickoff returner to replace Droughns, so
they put Droughns back in that spot against Miami.

--DT Luther Elliss should be able to practice and probably play this
week. Elliss has missed four games with a calf injury. He will play on
passing downs if he can play at Kansas City.